The National Rifle Association (NRA) Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) warned against several gun bills filed in the Alabama Legislature recently.
House Bill 234 (HB234), sponsored by State Rep. Randy Wood (R-Anniston), would make it a Class B felony to possess a trigger activator designed that causes a semi-automatic firearm to function as a fully automatic. The trigger activators described in HB234 are already illegal under federal law.
The law would not apply to binary triggers, which cause a firearm to fire a round both when the trigger is compressed and depressed.
According to a release by NRA-ILA, concern for the bill stems from stipulations that allow firearm parts to be easily confiscated, among other things.
"[HB234] also states that individuals have a duty to inspect all firearms' prior to purchasing, selling, possessing, or using' them to ensure that they are not modified in such a manner," the NRA release read. "Those in violation are deemed to have done so knowingly. In addition, it allows law-enforcement to retain custody of firearms or parts for up to 48 hours to determine if they are illegal, even in the circumstance of a simple traffic stop. What's worse - this is being carried by a member of the Republican majority!"
Two of the bills referenced by NRA-ILA are sponsored by State Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa).
House Bill 12 (HB12) would create new penalties for those who fail to inform law enforcement of the presence of a firearm.
Permitless carry, also called constitutional carry, passed the Alabama legislature in 2022. The new law removed requirements for lawful individuals to obtain a permit to carry a concealed firearm. The law also added a provision to inform law enforcement of the presence of a weapon when asked.
The "duty to declare" section of the 2022 law did not offer penalties for refusing to inform law enforcement. HB12 would make it a class A misdemeanor to not abide by the duty to declare statute. HB12 has yet to be addressed in the House Judiciary Committee.
NRA-ILA claims the law would violate the Constitutional rights of individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures and the right not to self-incriminate.
"HB12 violates Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights by making it a Class A misdemeanor for lawful citizens to not inform law-enforcement, upon request, that they are carrying or possessing firearms," The NRA release continued.
England's other bill, House Bill 28 (HB28), would remove the current law that allows concealed permit holders from being allowed to carry a weapon on school premises.
While the 2022 permitless carry law allows people to carry a weapon without a permit, individuals still need a permit to carry on school grounds.
Alabama law only prevents permitholders from carrying a weapon if they do so "with intent to do bodily harm." England's bill would ensure that only Police and School Resource Officers can lawfully carry a firearm on school premises. England said a person would still be allowed to have a gun in their car when picking up a student, only if the weapon is unloaded and secured.
"HB 28 removes certain exemptions for carry permit holders in order to increase "gun-free zones" where law-abiding citizens are left defenseless against violent criminals who ignore such arbitrary boundaries," the NRA release read. "It also requires minors to have written permission from parents or guardians in order to transport any firearm, not just pistols as required by current law, to approved activities, such as hunter and firearm safety education courses, target shooting, shooting competitions, hunting or fishing, or military duty."
HB28 was sent to the House Judiciary Committee, which was sent to a subcommittee, and can now be brought back up for a vote at the behest of committee chairman, State Rep. Jim Hill (R-Moody).
Hill told 1819 News he would bring the bill at England's pleasure, saying, "I think it's something we need to talk about."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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